Weighing-machine



(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

P. H. RICHARDS. WEIGHING MAGHINE.

No. 568,584. Patented Sept. 29, 1896.

Witnesses; Inventor.-

ma NORRIS wsrzngco. PNOTD-LITHO, WASHINGTON, 1:. c

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

F. H. RICHARDS.

WEIGHING MACHINE.

No. 568,584. Patented Sept. 29, 1896.

g \mr Witnesses: Inventor (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

F. H. RICHARDS. WEIGHING MACHINE.

No. 568,584. Patented Sept. 29, 1896.

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FRANCIS II. RICHARDS, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

WElGHlNG-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 568,584, dated September 29, 1896. Application filed March 26, 1896. Serial No. 584,958 (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, FRANCIS H. RICHARDS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Hartford, in the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in \Veighing-Wlachines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to weighingmachin es, the objects being to provide improved means for effecting a gradual and precise reduction in quantity of the supply or supplystream which flows into the bucket, improved valve-actuating means, improved closer and connected mechanisms, and certain other objects which, with the above, will be hereinafter more particularly described.

In the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification, Figure l is a front elevation of a weighing-machine em-' bodying my improvements. Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the machine as seen from the left in Fig. 1, certain parts being broken away, the valve being open, and the closer closed. Fig. 3 is a similar view showing the valve closed and the closer open. Figs. at, 5, and (3 are detail views of the improved closer and its connections with the bucket.

Similar characters designate like parts in all the figures of the drawings.

The framework for carrying the operative parts of the machine may be of any suitable construction, and is shown comprising two side frames or uprights 2 and 4, mounted upon a chambered supporting-base 3 and connected by a top plate 5, which is illustrated carrying a supply chute or hopper II, (to be hereinafter more particularly described) and adapted for containing the supply of material to be directed into the bucket of the machine, and which may be supplied by suitable elevator or other apparatus through the pipe or conduit 6.

The base 3 is illustrated provided with V- shaped bearings 20 and 20, which constitute beamsupports for the beam mechanism.

The beam mechanism for supporting the bucket is shown comprising the oppositelydisposed counterweighted scale-beams B and B, which are shown provided with pivots or knife-edges 2i and 24:, resting on the beamsupports, and by which the beam mechanism is pivotallysupported. The beam mechanism is also shown carrying a second series of pivots or knife-edges intermediate said firstmentioned series which constitute bucketsupports, and which are designated by 17 and 17.

The bucket, which is designated in a general Way by G, is illustrated having on each end thereof the brackets or hangers 555,which are provided with V-shaped bearings 16, corresponding in number and position with the bucket-supports,and which are pivotally supported thereby.

The bucket mechanism comprises two members, one of which is shiftable relatively to the other for discharging the bucket-load, and the bucket-closer L is herein illustrated constituting such a shiftable member.

The bucket-closer L is shown consisting of a suitably-formed plate or closer proper, 7 5, having a counterweighted arm or arms 79, preferably formed integral therewith, for returning the closer to its normal or closed position, the closer being also illustrated pivoted at 77 and '77 to the lower forward side of the bucket and adjacent to one side of the discharge-opening thereof.

As a means for supporting the bucketcloser an inverted toggle connection is shown connecting the closer and the bucket, and this toggle connection is so positioned as to be engaged by a closerlatch when the latch is in its operative position and the closer is shut. In the form illustrated this toggle comprises the rocker 550, pivotally supported at 550 on the upper rearward side of the bucket and having a long connecting-rod 596 pivoted to said rocker and also to the closer in such a manner that when the closer is shut the two pivots of said connecting-rod or toggle member will be nearly in line with and the upper of said pivots will be above the rocker-pivot, whereby when the rocker is engaged by the bucketcloser latch and held in that position the closer will be supported with a minimum pressure on the latch.

The closer-latch for locking the rocker in position when the closer is shut, and which is designated by 82, is shown herein pivoted at 87 on one end of the bucket and having a detent or stop 81 in position for engaging a co operating stop 550 on the toggle member 550 when the parts are in the closed position previously described. The bucketcloser latch is shown counterweighted and as limited in its movement toward the detent on the toggle connection by suitable steps. In the embodiment illustrated the closer-latch swings upward to engage the stop on the toggle member 550, and it will be evident that it will be released from engagmenttherewith by adownward movement.

Means are illustrated for protecting the point of pivotal connection of the toggle member 596 with the bucket-closer L by preventing the lateral flow of the material, or any particles thereof, as the bucket-loads are intermittently discharged, such particles usually clogging this bearing point, therefore rendering the closer somewhat uncertain in its action, particularly in the case of materials of certain elm-racteristics, as bran. The means illustrated for this purpose comprise the two end plates or guards 30 and 30', preferably formed integral with the bucket-closer, and which project for a considerable distance above the closerblade, so that when said closer is in its open position, as indicated in Fig. 3, the upper ed of said plates will still be located above the lower edge of the bucket. Means are also provided for protecting the bearings of the closer-pivots 77 and 77.

The bucketcloser plate is shown provided,

adjacent to itspivot,with acurved or rounded surface 31, which snugly iits against or is in bearing contact with the lower edge of the front wall oi the bucket throughout the movements of the bucket-closer and also while it is in its two extreme positions, so that no space is left through which any particles or granules in the bucket can work into the pivotbearings of the closer. The bucket is also illustrated provided with suitable means intermediate the closer ends, (herein illustrated as a series of hooks or supports 32,) secured to the front wall thereof at proper intervals by screws or other holding means, and which engage the bentover portion 33 ot the closer-plate, so that sagging of said closer intermediate its pivotal supports, and hence the formation of spaces between it and the bucket at any point, is positively pre vented.

The bucket-closer L is illustrated movably carrying a regulator, (designated in a general way by it and herein shown consisting of a blade or plate 34, pivetally supported adjacent to the discharge edge oi said closer,) which performs a dual function, will now be described.

It is essential that the closing movement of the bucket-ehJser L should be so retarded or prolonged as to permit the full and complete discharge of the bucketload, and for accomplishing this peculiar result the regulator it is shown. While the bucket-closer L shut the regulator will assume an oblique or approximately oblique position (see Fig. 53) for a purpose to be hereinafter described. im-

mediately on the release of the bucket-closer the weight of the bucket contents instantly forces the same open, and simultaneously therewith the regulator R is opened or rocked downward about its pivot by the impact thereagainst of the dischargingstream. of material to the position illustrated in Fig. 23.

It will be evident that the natural. tendency of the closer L is to shut by reason oi? its counterweighted arms; but this action will be prevented or checked by the regulator it, which, as the closer commences to close, is held against reverse movement by suitable means, and which takes a firm hold oi the discharged mass while in the chamber oi? the supporting-base 3, and so impedes the return movement of the closer as to allow am ple time for the gravitation of any particles of material that may be thereon. As soon, however, as the resistance oi. the material acting against the regulator is decreaseddue to the gradual descent of the mass dis charged by the bucket into a suitable conduit (not shown) communicating with the chambered base 3-the closer will slowly shut or approach its horizontal position.

It will be evident that when the upper line of the discharged mass has passed below the lip of the regulator-blade the latter, and hence the bucketeloser L, will be free of all restraint, at which point the counterweight ed. arms 79 of the bucket-closer L quickly shut said closer.

The regulator R is also shown provided with a stop or curved stop-arm 35, which may be formed integral therewith, and whiclndnu ing the closing movement oi. the closer L, impinges against the under surface oi. the closer-blade and prevents reverse.movement of the regulator as the closer returns to its normal position, so that said regulator prae tically terms a part of the closer.

Means will also be provided for shifting the regulator R relatively to the bucket-closer L for return ing the same to the normal or closed position, and this shifting nnirvement will preferably be a rapid one, so that ii any particles ot' the discharged mass should adhere or cling to said regulator these will be shaken or dislodged therefrom by the force of such a blow or jar. The regulator shown provided with the integral arm 36, (herein illustrated as a eam-arnn) which is so disposed as to be engaged by a suitable actuator eonsisting, in the present instance, ot' an arm 37, rigidly secured to the bucket G on. one end thereof, and which is located in the path oi. movementoi. the cam-arm 3U.

lVhen the closer has nearly reached its normal or horizontal position, it being at this point in the operation of the machine t'ree oi. the checking influences of the discharged mass, it will be quickly closed by its counter-- weighted arms, andsimultaneously therewith "he eamarm 36 will be engaged by the rigid arm 37, and a blow imparted to said camarm, and hence to the regulator .11, the shock being sufficient to dislodge from the regulator any particles that may stick thereto, and which drop into the chamber of the base. As the closer continues its closing movement the regulator will be further upwardly oscillated, through the described means, until it has assumed its normal or oblique position relative to the bucket G, the arm 37 serving as a means for holding the regulator in such position.

By virtue of the regulator R, when in its last-mentioned position, it is unnecessary that the bucket-closer should be shut tight again st the lower edge of the bucket G, as any ma terial that escapes or leaks from the bucket will be prevented from wasting by the regulator R, which constitutes a guard for this purpose, the lateral waste of the material from the bucket being prevented by the end plates 30 and 30.

As a means for controlling the stream which flows from the supply-chute a valve is illustrated at 70, which is substantially similar in construction and mode of operation to the improved valve shown and described in Letters Patent No. 535,727, granted to me March 12, 1895, to which reference may be had.

The valve is also illustrated pivotally supported for oscillatory movement beneath the discharge-outlet of the chute or hopper H by the arms or brackets 5 of the top plate 5, and as also balanced, the balance-weight being shown for this purpose.

As a means for securing a gradual and precise reduction in volume of the supply-steam at successive points in the operation of the machine, and for materially reducing the impact of the descending mass against the valve 7 O, a series of stream regulating or reducing blades or wings are shown operative within the chute or hopper and oscillatory therein, and which constitute valves. These blades or wings are shown operatively connected with the stream-controllin g valve 7 0, so that as said valve is closed or opened said blades or wings will be automatically operated in unison therewith, and thereby either reduce the volume of the supply-stream or permit its flow 011 the valve, the latter serving as a chute and directing the oni'lowin g stream into the bucket G. Said wings are designated by 38 and are shown pivotally supported between the end walls of the chute, and, as hereinbeforestated, are operatively connected with the valve 7 0.

An angle-lever is shown at 39, the longer member of which is pivotally connected with the valve 70 by the interposed connectinglink 39, which is also shown pivotally con nected with said valve to the rear of the pivot or center of movement thereof, the angle of said lever being connected with the first blade of the series of blades, as indicated in Figs. 2 and 3. A series of rock-arms connected with each of the other blades is preferably provided (two of these rock-arms being shown in Fig. 3 and designated by 41) and also pivotally connected by the tie-rod 42, the end of the latter being also connected with the short arm of the angle-lever 39, and by which said blades maybe worked in unison. The valve being open, as indicated in Fig. 2, the supplystream flowing from the pipe 6 into the chute H will strike the stream-regulating blades- 38, which, at this point in the operation of the machine, are disposed at such an inclination as to permit the free flow of the separated portions of the supply-stream between each blade of the series and onto the lower inclined wall of the chute H, from whence the mass is directed into the bucket G. As the valve oscillates to close the connectinglink 89 will be drawn downward, thereby moving the long arm of the angle-lever therewith, and as the latter oscillates about its pivot the shorter arm of the angle-lever will be moved to what is herein shown as the left, oscillating the blades 38 through the described connections therewith,whereby the inclinations thereof are progressively decreased as the valve closes, and the volume of the separated streams which flow between said series of blades is correspondingly reduced. It will be apparent that when the blades 38 have reached the horizontal position and the valve 70 is closed (see Fig. 3) said blades serve as an effectual cut-off for preventing the flow of the main stream into the bucket G.

As a means for closing the valve 7 0, whereby the gradual reduction of the supply-stream may be effected, as hereinbefore described, valve-closin g mechanism substantially similar in construction and mode of operation to that shown and described in Letters Patent No. 548,843, granted to me October 29, 1895, is herein shown, to which reference may be had, and which will now be briefly described.

A valve-closing cam is shown at 500, which, in practice, is preferably provided with two connected cam-faces, which are engaged by a valve-closin g member, herein illustrated as a counterweighted-lever 506, pivotally supported by the framework of the machine, the antifriction-roll 507 of which successively rides over said two cam-faces, and while in engagement with one of them slowly closes said valve and consequently correspondingly reduces the volume of the supply-stream. On leaving said cam-face the roll engages and rides over the connected cam-face which is of greater power or efficiency, whereby the valve is quickly closed for cutting off the stream reduced by the blades or wings 38. A connecting-rod is illustrated at 558 operative with the valve, being shown pivotally connected at its upper end to one end of the three-pivot link 43, the latter being shown pivotally supported between its ends by the arm 44, formed on the valve balance-weight 90.

It will be evident that as the valve closes the connecting-rod 558 will have a descending movement in unison therewith; but this descending movement will be limited by the IIO 4 seassa scale-beam 13, which is in engagement with said connecting-rod 55S, whereby the closing movement of the valve by its actuator 506 will be controlled by said scale-beam.

As a means for opening the valve 70 a shiftable two-streke member constituting a valve-opening actuator is illustrated, and in the present instance it consists of a counterweighted lever 551, pivotally supported by a fixed part of the framework, independently of the various operative mechanisms, so that as it is shifted between its two positions it can have nopossible effect upon the accuracy of the machine by jarring any of the operative mechanisms thereof, such jars being received by a fixed part of the machine and hence having no effect whatever on the weighing operation. A connecting-rod is shown at 552 respectively connected at its extremities to the three-pivot link and said shiftable lever, the weight of which, when said lever is in its ineffective position, being shown sustained by the support 3, formed on the base 3 of the machine. The operation of these connected parts is as follows: As the valve 70 is closed by its lever 506 the rod 558 will be moved downward, the three-pivot link 4- 3 rocking about its pivot with the rod 552, and the latter likewise moving about its pivot on the lever 551. At a predetermined point in the operation of the machine a latch-actuator (to be hereinafter described) depresses the closer-latch 8:? and releases the bucket-closer L. As the closer is released one of a pair of reciprocally effective stops is immediately brought into play and is operable for maintaining the valve closed and locked while said closer is open and during the time the bucket is discharging its lead. \Vhen a certain portion of the mass has been discharged by the bucket, the counterweights of the beam mechanism overcome the lightened bucket and descend, the poising side of the beam mechanism of course ascending. As

said poising portion of the beam 13 ascends the connecting-rod will be moved upward thereby, the valve, it being understood, bein g still locked closed. As the rod 558 is thus moved the three-pivot link will be rocked, its right-hand arm moved upward and lefthand arm downward, this action shifting the lever 55]. from its ineffective position, as indicated in Fig. 2, to the position illustrated in Fig. 8 through the interposed connecting rod It will be assumed that at this point the valve 70 has been released by the stop, and as the lever 551 returns to its normal position an upward thrust is imparted to the connecting-rod 552 sufficient for opening said valve.

Reciprocally effective valve and closer locking-stops operative, respectively, with the valve and with the closer are also illustrated for preventing the opening movement of the valve while the closer is open and the bucket discharging its contents, and vice versa.

A valve-operative stop member is shown at etlfl, and the rocker 550 is herein illusti'atml as constituting a closer-operative stop member. The stop member 4113 is shown having two stops 4-12 and 412 in the form, respectively, of an tl1tlfll0tl01l-l0ll and of a curved face concentric with the axis of movement of the valve. The stop member 550 likewise shown provided with two stops lit; and lit, the first mentioned of which is shown as a curved face concentric with theaxis of move ment of said member and the other as an approximately straight face departing from said curved face. The operation of these various stops will now be described. When the valve is open, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the two stops L12 and 113 will be in contact, so that it the closer L should be accidentally released through the premature tripping of the latch. 82 the tendency of the stop or rocker son to rock about its pivot will be positively prevented by the stop member 1-12 so long as these two stops are in contact. When, however, the stop or roll n2 hasintersected the plane of curvature of the stop-face iii the stop or rocker 550 is free to oscillaie-pr(r vided, of course, the closer-latch has been tripped-to permit the opening movement of the closer. As the closer opens the stop ill; will peripherally contact with the stop or roll ill, (see Fig. 3,) so that while these stopsare in such contact the opening or reverse move ment of the valve will be prevented by the stop member 550, against which the othe r interlocking member 4-12 impinges, the first mentioned member while this peculiar relation continues serving, practically, as a .llXtbtl abutment. "When, however, these steps i123 and iii have passed out of LOllltCt-Llll0 to the shutting of the closer L and consequent return oscillation of the stop member 550- the valve may be opened by its actuator While the valve is locked closed the beam B, as it returns to its normal position, is operative for shifting thelever 551, through the hereinbefore-described connections, from its ineffective position to its working position, so that as said lever 551 returns to said normal position it imparts an upward thrust to the connecting-rod 552, to which it connected, sufficient for opening the valve to again permit the flow of the supply-stream into the bucket G.

It will be remembered that a latch 82 has been described as being normally operative for holding the bucket-closer L against opening movement by engaging the rocker or toggle member 550, and that said latch is also depressible for releasing the closer. l orthus depressing or tripping the latch l have herein illustrated an actuator 88, formed on the connecting-rod 558, which is shown operatively connected with the valve, and which actuator has a descending movement from the valve on the closure thereof.

At the proper point in the operation of the machine, or when the bucket has passed below the poising-line, this actuator will be ICC projected downward into engagement with the stop-pin 82 on the latch, thereby depressing the latch and releasing its detent 81 from engagement with the cooperatingdetent 550 on the rocker 550, whereby the latter is free to oscillate, at which point the bucket-eontents, pressing against the closer L, will force the same open for discharging the bucketload.

The operation of the hereinbefore described weighing-machine briefly is as fol lows: IVith the valve open and the closer shut, as indicated in Fig. 2, the supply-stream will flow from the chute or hopper H into the empty bucket. When a certain proportion of the load has been received by the bucket, it will descend, the poising side of the beam mechanism descending therewith, the beam B falling from under the connecting-rod 55S, permitting a closing movement of the valve by the valve-closing lever or actuator 506, which successively rides over the two connected cam-faces on the valve-closing earn 500. IVhile the valve 70 is closing it will be evident that the volume of the supply-stream which flows from the chute H is successively reduced through the medium of the blades 38, which are operatively connected with the valve. At the commencement of the poising period a stream of relatively small volume will flow into the bucket for the purpose of completing the load therein, the bucket and beam mechanism further descending, and the latter also permitting a further descending movement of the connectingrod 558, and hence the actuator 88, so that when the bucket has intersected the poising-line said actuator 88 is operative for releasing the bucket-closer L by tripping the latch 82. As the bucketcloserL opens the stop member 550, operative therewith, becomes immediately effective for preventing the opening movement of the valve by engaging the stop 412 of the stop member 412. The closer L being open, Fig. 3, the bucket-load will be discharged, and when a certain part of the mass has been discharged by the bucket the beam mechanism will ascend, the valve of course being still locked closed, so that the beam B is effective for shifting the lever 551 from its ineffective to its working position through the connecting-rods 558 and 551 and three-pivot link 4.8, with which these two rods are connected. hen the'closer L is closed and locked, the valve is free to open, so that as thelever 551 returns to its normal position an upward thrust will be imparted to the rod 552 sufficient for opening the valve 70.

Having described my invention, I claim 1. The combination with a chute, of a valve; a series of operatively connected blades located within said chute; an anglelever connected to one of said blades; rockarms connected to the other blades; means connecting said rock-arms with one member of the angle-lever; and a link connected to the other member of said angle-lever and to the valve.

2. The combination with a chute, of an oscillatory stream-controlling valve therefor; a series of blades operative within said chute and extending partially across the same {an angle-lever connected at its angle to the first blade of the series; rock-arms connected to the other blades; a rod operatively connecting said rock-arms and one member of the angle-lever; and a link pivotally connected to the other member of the angle-lever and to the valve at a point to the rear of its axis of movement.

3. The combination with bucket mechanism embodying a member shiitable for discharging a bucket-load, of a regulator-blade movably supported by the shittable member and so located thereon as to take hold of the mass of material discharged by the bucket, whereby the return movement of the shiftable member will be retarded.

a. The combination with a bucket having a closer, of a regulator-blade movably sup ported by said closer and located thereon to take hold of the mass of material discharged by the bucket on the opening of the closer, whereby the return movement of the closer will be retarded.

5. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a bucket having a closer, of a blade pivotally supported by said closer adjacent to the discharge edge thereof.

6. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a bucket having a closer; of a blade thereon; and means for shifting said blade relatively to the closer.

'7. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a bucket having a closer; of a regulatorblade movably supported thereby, and having an arm; and an actuator for engaging said arm, to thereby shift the regulator relatively to the closer.

8. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a bucket having a closer; of a blade movably supported thereby, and having a camarm; and a rigid arm carried by the bucket for engaging said cam-arm, to thereby shift said blade.

9. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a bucket having a closer; of a blade movably supported thereby, and having an arm and a stop for engaging the closer; and an actuator for engaging said arm.

10. The combination with a bucket, of a closer therefor comprising a plate having a continuous bearing-surface from end to end thereof adjacent to its point of support and in contact with one of the edges of a bucketwall.

11. The combination with a bucket, of a closer supported thereby and comprising a plate having a rounded surface extending from end to end thereof adjacent to its point of support and in contact with one of the edges of the bucket-wall.

12. The combination with a bucket, of a closer therefor comprising a plate having; a continuous bearing-surface from end to end thereof and in contact with one of the edges of the bucket-wall; and means for supporting said plate at intervals between its ends.

3. In a weighinganachine, the combination with a bucket; of a closer therefor comprising a plate having a bearing-surface in contact with one of the edges of a bucketwall, and having also a bent--over portion; and a hook or hooks carried by the bucket for engaging said bent-over portion.

14-. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a chute; of a valve therefor; and a shiftablc counter-weighted lever supported by the framework, and constituting a valveopening actuator.

In a weighing-machine, the combination with a chute; of a valve therefor; a shiftable counterweighted lever supported by the framework; and means operatively connecting said member and valve.

16. In a weighing-maehine, the combination with a scale-beam; of a chute; a valve; a shiftable cormterweighted lever supported independently of the scale-beam and connected with the valve; and connections between said valve and scale-beam.

17. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a scale-beam; of a chute; a valve; a shiftable two-stroke member a three-pivot link operative with said valve; and a depending member carried on each end of said link, and having said members in position to be operated by said scale-beam and shii'iable member, respectively.

18. In a weighing-machino, the eombination with bucket mechanism embodying two members, one of which is shiftable relatively to the other for discharging the load, and with a scale-beam of a latch normally operative for holding said shil'tablc member against movement; a valve; a counterweighted lever; a rod connected to the valve, and in position for operation by said counterweighted lever; and a second rod provided with a latch-actuator, connected to the valve and in position for operation by said scalebeam.

10. In a weighing-machine, the combination with bucket mechanism embodying: two members, one of which is shiftable relatively to the other, and with a seale-beam; of a valve; a stop operative for maintaining the valve closed during the bucket-discharging period; a eoui'lterweighted lever supported independently of said scale-beain; and connections between said counter-weigh ted lever, the valve, and scale-beam.

20. The combination with the framework and with a valve, of a valve-opening actuator supported by said framework; and a scalebeam connected with, and operable on one of its strokes for shifting, said actuator.

FRANCIS Ii. RICHARDS.

Witnesses:

FRED. J. Donn, F. N. (Jtusn. 

